National Express Dundee has come under fire from customers after announcing an inflation-busting price hike for the new year.
Despite falling petrol prices, the cost of a bus ticket in Dundee is to increase by a minimum of 2.2% from Sunday January 4.
UK inflation fell to a 12-year low of 1% in November and is expected to weaken further in the coming months.
The decision has drawn an angry response from irate passengers and councillors, who claim the rise is not reflected in the quality of service National Express provides.
The condition of the buses, the punctuality of the service and also the attitude of the drivers all came under attack from customers on social media.
Marco Hibbins said: “I used to live in Monifieth. It’s £1.90 from there to Dundee on a Stagecoach bus which includes a conductor who’ll give you change, a clean bus and free WiFi.
“With National Express it currently costs the same to travel from Downfield into town.
“The buses are never on time, reeking and filthy.”
Austen Tod said: “I wouldn’t mind paying higher fares if the fleet was in better shape, buses actually turned up when they’re meant to and the drivers weren’t some of the rudest people I’ve come across.
“That being said, not all of them are like that and some are very kind and welcoming.”
The price change will mean single tickets increase by 5p, an adult daysaver by 10p and an adult weekly card by 50p a week.
Dundee North East councillor Brian Gordon said: “Every year National Express increase the fares for the travelling public but seem to give a reduced service to the people of Dundee.
“I am wondering where they get their increase from because every other year they’ve blamed it on fuel prices.
“With fuel prices coming down you might think that would impact on the cost of their fares.
“I have had numerous conversations with National Express about the missed or very late services in Dundee East (32, 33, 15, 17), not to mention the cancellation altogether of the 36 service to Mill O’ Mains and Claverhouse that had to be rescued by Dundee City Council through a tender to Stagecoach.
“If National Express want to increase fares in Dundee then they should get it right for the passengers that they wish to serve or stand aside for a company that will get it right.”
National Express said the new fares will support further investment in the Dundee bus network during 2015.
Managing director for National Express Dundee, Phil Smith, said: “We have worked hard to keep the fare increase to a minimum and customers can get unlimited travel for just £1.36 a day, which means our prices are still among the lowest of the major Scottish cities.
“This rise will enable us to continue investing in the city’s bus network and developing our business.”